Legislative Gazette
Since 1978, the Legislative Gazette has provided in-depth coverage of New York State government. The Gazette delivers in-depth coverage of the New York State Legislature, governor’s office, state agencies, and courts and keeps its readers up to date on interesting and important legislation, press conferences, executive actions, court decisions, elections, lobbying and advocacy efforts in Albany and across the state.
Advocates Told OASAS Cuts Could Be Resorted
By Craig McGuire
Combine one part Assembly Democrat support, one part Republican Senate endorsement, stir in additional revenue and simmer over the flames of growing advocate protest. That could be the recipe for restoration of proposed budget cuts … (Click Here to Read More)
Legislature Expected to OK Amending Drug Dealer Law
By Craig McGuire
Albany lawmakers are expected to amend an ineffective law originally designed to strengthen penalties for drug dealing on school areas … (Click Here to Read More)
Albany Chief Mulls Regionalization in Lieu of Relief
By Craig McGuire
Disappointed by state lawmakers’ failure to provide mandate relief in the recently enacted state budget, local government officials are looking at regionalization as a crutch until relief arrives … (Click Here to Read More)
No-Alcohol Seating Bill Introduced
By Craig McGuire
Majority members in both houses have introduced legislation re-authorizing no-alcohol seating in ballparks. The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Richard Brodsky and Senator Nicholas Spano … (Click Here to Read More)
Lawmakers Backing Anti-Drinking Measures
By Craig McGuire
Lawmakers have voiced support for gubernatorial proposals aimed to reduce alcohol and substance abuse by young people. Assemblyman John Murtaugh said he will … (Click Here to Read More)
Assembly Cool to Term Limit Plan
By Craig McGuire
The latest push for term limits by two Republican senators has run into opposition from the Assembly and a call for the governor to “let the people decide” … (Click Here to Read More)
Assembly Election Reform Draws GOP Fire
By Craig McGuire
Rapid approval of an election reform bill by the Assembly has some senators questioning the sincerity of the lower house as well as its concern for the pocketbooks of voters … (Click Here to Read More)
Clark Vows to Fight Alcohol Treatment Center Closing at Creedmoor
By Craig McGuire
Assemblywoman Barbara Clark does not see the closing of the only Alcohol Treatment Center (ATC) in Queens the same way the governor does. In fact, she sees the proposed closing as the elimination of “essential services” … (Click Here to Read More)
Libous Says Cuomo Plan Sets Back Drug Treatment
By Craig McGuire
The chair of the Senate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee said he was “extremely disturbed” by the governor’s inattention to the drug problem. Senator Thomas Libous said the governor has put the drug problem “on the back burner” … (Click Here to Read More)
Cuomo Seen as Wounded Tyrannosaurus Rex
By Craig McGuire
He’s been called a 600-pound gorilla by both friend and foe. Now he’s being called Tyrannosaurus Rex. “If the New York political landscape were Jurassic Park, then Mario Cuomo, though wounded, is still Tyrannosaurus Rex,” said pollster John Zogby … (Click Here to Read More)
GOP Sees Light Despite Dem Voter Gains
By Craig McGuire
Recent New York State Board of Elections enrollment figures showing the Democratic party extending its advantage over the Republicans has drawn both critical and optimistic responses from state GOP leaders … (GOPversusDems)
Conservation, Education Top Matusow Priorities
By Craig McGuire
Fighting proposed budget cuts in environmental conservation and education, first-year Assemblywoman Naomi C. Matusow says she understands competing interests in state government … (Click Here to Read More)
Mayors Leave Albany “Hopeful”
By Craig McGuire
As the state budget deadline grows closer, mayors representing six major New York cities came to Albany to plead their case and left the Capital mildly encouraged … (Click Here to Read More)
Chairs Predict There Will Be More Election Reform
By Craig McGuire
Encouraged by recent Justice Department approval of the State Election Reform Act, the chairs of the Legislature’s Elections Committee say they will continue to press for reform … (Click Here to Read More)
Agencies, Lawmakers Prep to Deal With “Motor Voter”
By Craig McGuire
Election board officials and Albany lawmakers are gearing up to implement federal election reform signed into law by President Bill Clinton … (Click Here to Read More)
Should Senate Vote on Gay Rights Bill?
By Craig McGuire
Should a Gay rights bill be brought o the floor of the Senate? “I think the should bring it forward, one way or another, and let them vote,” said Assemblyman Pat Casale from Troy, New York … (Click Here to Read More)
What Can Be Done to Boost the Economy?
By Craig McGuire
If there was one bill that could be passed this session to improve New York state’s economy, what would it be? “Senator Marino’s tax-cut package,” said Senator George Pataki from Peekskill, New York. “We are hemorrhaging jobs in this state. That is the single most important bill … (Click Here to Read More)
14 Lawmakers Eye Local, State Positions
By Craig McGuire
Fourteen state legislators are planning to seek offices ranging from county executive to state comptroller this year and next … (Click Here to Read More)
Lawmakers Moving on DWI Bills
By Craig McGuire
Governor Mario Cuomo and majority member of both houses agree that stronger medicine is needed to cure a recurring New York State hangover – motorists who abuse drugs and alcohol. Now they have to agree on the remedy … (Click Here to Read More)
Saranac, Black-and-Tan Boost Upstate Brewery
By Craig McGuire
Combine the growing demand for a specialized taste with a recent strong of well-received products. Call it success, because that’s what’s happening at the F.X. Matt Brewery Co. In central New York … (Click Here to Read More)
Senators Oppose Tax$$ Funding of Campaigns
By Craig McGuire
Two state senators say they disagree with the national grass-roots movement to “clean out the special interests mess in Washington.” The good government proponents are urging the use of taxpayer dollars to fund … (Click Here to Read More)
Legislators Eye Tighter DWI Laws
By Craig McGuire
In an effort to reduce underage drunk driving, Albany lawmakers are considering stricter penalties. Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Michael J. Bragman has introduced a bill that woild lower the legal blood alcohol content level for driving while intoxicated to … (Click Here to Read More)
Officials Want Drug Law Revisions
By Craig McGuire
Twenty seven years after the Rockefeller Drug Laws were enacted, some law enforcement officials believe it’s time to revise the program. Others, ranging from users to corrections officials to lawmakers, have their own solutions … (Click Here to Read More)
Chloe O’Neil Defeats June O’Neill
By Craig McGuire
In what some politicians are calling one of the most confusing races of the year, a Republican O’Neil has defeated a Democratic O’Neill for the 112th Assembly District seat… (Click Here to Read More)
Dinkins Message Called Flawed
By Craig McGuire
Mayor David Dinkins’ annual State of the City address has gotten mixed reviews. In that speech, the mayor said that New York City is safer and more economically sound than when he took office … (Click Here to Read More)
Assembly Election Reform Draws GOP Fire
By Craig McGuire
Rapid approval of an election reform bill by the Assembly has some senators questioning the sincerity of the lower house as well as its concern for the pocketbooks of voters … (Click Here to Read More)
Senate Looking Into Santiago Residence
By Craig McGuire
The Senate has begun a “preliminary investigation” into allegations challenging the the residence of first-year Sen. Nellie Santiago. A Senate Majority spokesman said no formal action has been taken, but … (Click Here to Read More)
Photo Credit: By Brandon Mowinkel (Courtesy of Unsplash)